IET: Chancellor may have saved the next generation of engineers and technologists

Wednesday, 20 October 2010 12:00 AM

The government's commitment to safeguard tertiary education has been welcomed by Europe's largest body of professional engineers and technologists. The Institution of Engineering and Technology also applauds the 50 percent increase in funding for adult apprenticeships.

Paul Davies, Head of Policy at the IET said: "The announcement of a 50 percent increase in funding for adult apprenticeships should be welcomed if it leads towards fulfilling the needs of engineering employers".

"Bridging the engineering skills gap depends upon concerted effort within schools, colleges, universities and by employers to encourage more people to attain the necessary skills and qualifications. So while there may be some positive news from today's announcements from the government, the changes to school, college and university funding must be carefully managed, to ensure the future of the skills-based economy.

This year's rise in take-up of undergraduate engineering courses is encouraging and is a critical part of ensuring the success of the UK's economic future. However it's vital that, as the government seeks to reduce the deficit, it also does all it can to make sure engineering education and training at all levels is preserved, protected and promoted. In light of this, moves to protect further education as well as higher education are vital.

Paul Davies concluded: "The UK's future in the world's economy will be more knowledge and skills-based. For the UK to remain competitive, we need home-grown engineers and we urge the government to do all it can, therefore, to make sure education in science and engineering takes a high priority in our schools, further education colleges and universities."

Ends

Notes to Editors

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is Europe's largest body of professional engineers and technologists with 150,000 members in 127 countries.

Spokespeople are available for comment or interviews on the Comprehensive Spending Review and a range of engineering issues.

For further details, please contact:

Jonny Holdcroft
Press Officer
T: 01438 765608
M: 07515 814884
jholdcroft@theiet.org

or

Rob Beahan
Press Officer
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0)7595 400912
rbeahan@theiet.org

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